Spraying and dusting machine



July 26, 1949. G. w. DAUGHERTY 2,476,960

SPRAYING' AND DUSTING MACHINE Y Filed Jan. 9, 1946 j 4 Sheets-Sheet 1July 26, 1949- G. w. DAUGHERTY. 2,476,960

' SPRAYING AND DUs'rING mxcmm l Filed Jan.' 9; 1946 4 sheets-sheet 2ATTORNEY July 26, 1949. G. w. DUGHERTY v 2,476,960

SPRAYING AND DUSTING MACHINE v 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 9, 1946INVENTOR G. U. -D- Aer* BY j Y MMM.

ATTORNEY July 26, 1949.k G. w. DAUGHERTY SPRYING AND DUSTING MACHINE 4Sheets-Sheet AA4| Fild Jan. 9, 1946 llllllll T@ R Y M .o E.. .m G

Patented July 26, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENTv OFFICE sPRAYlNG ANDDUs'rING MACHINE George W. Daugherty, Orlando, Fla. Application Januarys, 194s, serial No. 639,949

1s claims. ('01. 2er-3o) This invention relates to a machine of the typedisclosed in my earlier patents, Nos. 2,220,082 dated November 5, 1940,and 2,331,107 dated October 5, 1943.

Machines of the particular class require for effective operation acontrolled distribution of a large volume of air, the air carrying withit spraying or dusting material to be deposited on the foliage. I havefound that large volumes of air are best developed through means of apropeller type fan with the air moving through a long or relativelyshort tunnel, depending on conditions, and then directed toward thefoliage. Spraying and dusting material may be supplied in several waysto the air blast that is generated by the propeller.

If reference is made to the machines disclosed in my earlier patents, itwill be found that I take great pains to effect an even distribution ofair, since it is only through such even distribution that I can controleffectively the air, and direct it towards the foliage. I have found inmy considerable Work in this art that very little air is moved by thecentral portion of a propeller, and that therefore it is inherent thatthe air being generated by the propeller is unequal in intensity overthe cross-sectional area subtended by the propeller. For the particularreason, I have conceived and constructed a machine in accordance withthe teachings set forth in my patent application No. 545,975, filed July21, 1944 (now Patent 2,475,449 dated July 5, 1949), wherein I utilizetwo series of propellers rotating on parallel shafts for generating ahigh volume of air that is Well distributed over a large area.

It is the purpose of the invention to be disclosed in this applicationto contribute to the art a spraying or dusting machine that is extremelyeffective in the generation of a large volume of insecticide carryingair that may be subjected readily to deection and other controls.

As a feature of my invention, I generate a ring of air, rather than ablast of air over a circular area as in my earlier machines. Moreparticularly, this feature of my invention comprises the generation of aring of air by the blades of a propeller with the ineffective portion ofthe propeller not utilized so that the resulting ring of air isrelatively uniform in volume and is readily available for deflection inall directions.

As a more detailed feature of my invention I utilize a propeller that isrotated relatively to a tunnel for generating a blast of air through thetunnel with the center of the tunnel effectively shielded from the outerperiphery of the tunnel so that the blast of air is confined between theouter periphery of the tunnel and a cylindrical shell that is usedpreferably for shielding the central portion of the tunnel. This resultsin the development of a ring of air.

As a still further feature of the invention, deectors are placed at theend of the shell and tunnel for directing the ring of air radially andoutwardly relatively to the tunnel.

As a still further feature of the invention the deflectors may beextensions of both the tunnel and the cylindrical shell surface so thatthe air will move smoothly from the tunnel and then radially outwardlytoward the foliage to be sprayed or dusted.

A still further feature of the invention resides in the utilization ofmeans for blocking the deflectors so that certain portions of the ringof air will not be able to flow immediately outwardly and radially, butwill be compelled first to mingle into combination with other portionsof the ring of air before moving outwardly and radially relatively tothe tunnel.

I have thus outlined the general nature of my invention and its relationto the prior art in order that the description thereof that follows maybe better understood, and in order that my contribution to the art maybe better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of myinvention that will be described hereinafter and which will form thesubject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the conception on which my'disclosure is based mayreadily be utilized by those skilled in the art as the basis for thedesigning of other structures for carrying out the several purposes ofmy invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims to be grantedme shall be of sufficient breadth to prevent such appropriation of myinvention by those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a general side elevation of aspraying machine embodying the construction of my invention. Fig. 2 is aview of the mechanism for supplying spraying material from the storagetank of my machine to the nozzles that feed the material into the airstream. At this point it will be Well to indicate that While theinvention is disclosed in connection with a spraying machine, it willfunction equally well in a dusting machine. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectionthrough the machine. Fig. 4 is a section taken along lines 4 4 of Fig,3. Fig. 5 is a view looking at Fig. 3 in a direction of the arrows 5 ofFig. 3. Fig. 6 is a perspective and sectional view of the air tunnel,the propeller and guide tins are 3 the air deflectors. Fig. 'I is aperspective view of one of the derlector groups of my invention.

Referring now more particularly to' the drawings, reference numeral Illindicates a chassis mounted lon wheels II and adapted to be pulled by atractor or other vehicle as is well set forth in my several earlierpatents. Mounted on the dem vmaybeutilizedanllsucha-'screenisshownbyvmein the drawing at 4l. v

series of chassis is a tank I2 adapted to contain spraying material thatis supplied to a series of spraying nozzles I3 inserted in metal tubesI4, the said metal tubes I4 being shaped to conform to the deiiectorsystem to be described hereinafter.

A pump I5 is suitably driven by an internalv combustion engine I5 and isadapted to purnpV the fluid from a pipe I1 leading from the tank I2 intoa manifold I8. It is from this manifold I8 that the fluid is pumped to aseries of flexible hose I9 that lead to individual tubes I4 containingthe nozzles I3. A series of valves 29 are actuated by a series of rods2I for controlling the ow of fluid through the several pipes I9, itbeing frequently desirable that spraying material be supplied only topredetermined nozzles I3 rather than to all the nozzles. Provisions aremade for hydraulically turbulating the fluid within the tank I2 byutilizing part of the capacity of the pump I5 flowing through a pipe 22.The now of the spraying material is controlled at the front end of themachine by means designated generally by reference letter C. Since thesupplying or the spraying material is in accordance wltn tlle teachingsof my earlier inventions and is not here.n claimed,l I shall notdescribe in further detail the particular mechanism, it being thoughtthat the description so far given is suflielent for a generalunderstanding of the structure neleln described.

in. all .url lel of my invention utilizes a main outer caslllg t..atsupports through suitable structural members a.- series of circularsheet rnetal surfaces 26, 21, 23, and 29 that together colllprlse thetunnel T. As is best seen in Figs. 3 and -6, there is mounted within thetunnel T a cylindrical shell 39 that is supported relatively to tunnel Tby a series of guide fins 3I. These preferably welded in positionbetween the tunnel T and the cylindrical shell 30 and mantain the shellrigidly in place. The guide ns not only serve to support the shell 39 inposition but also act to guide and straighten .l the air stream that isdeveloped by the blades 32 of a propeller 33. i

The propeller 33 comprises blades 32 extending-` from what I term a hub34, the hub being in turn secured on a shaft 35. The shaft 35 is mountedon bearings 39 and 31 suitably supported within the shell 30. It willnow be appreciated they are adapted to generate a. blast of air in thespace between the tunnel T and the cylindrical shell 30, the hub 34 ofthe propeller having no air moving function. Therefore, the propellerblades 32 will generate a ring of air rather than a' circular area ofair as in my earlier machines.

For aiding the blast of air to enter the ring- Vlike area between thetunnel T and the cylindrical shell 30, the hub 34 of the propeller hassccured thereto a, sheet metal dome 39, andthe circular surface 29 ofthe tunnel is formed bell shaped as will readily be noted from thedrawings. A series of struts 39 extend between the outer casing 25 andthe surface member 29 for reinforcing it as will be readily appreciated.`For protecting and shielding the propeller a, screen that the blades 32are so formed that l For rotating the propeller shaft 35 a drive pulleys4I are utilized; these pulleys being rotated by the internal combustionengine I5. Belts 42 extend from the pulleys 4I and are adapted to drivepulleys 43 that are suitably secured on a shaft 44. The shaft 44 is inturn coupled at 45 to a, further shaft 45 thatis resiliently coupled at41 to the propeller'shaft 35. It will readily be appreciated that thepropeller shaft 35 may be actuated by the internal combustion engine I6in many ways that will readily occur to those skilled in the art, and Ihave merely shown the particular method herein to illustrate thepreferred arrangement that I have devised. It may be well at this pointto state further that while I presently, prefer to fabricate my machineas herein set forth, other methods of fabrication will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. and will be revised and changed from time totime in accordance with changes in technology.

The ring of air developed by the blades ,32 of the propeller 33 isadapted to move in the direc-` tion of the arrows 5U in Figs. 3 and 6and it 1s the function of the guide fins 3I to prevent circularturbulence of the air within the air ring defined by the tunnel T andthe cylindrical shell 30. As a result tne ow of the ring of airv will berelatively uniform. Y

In order to direct the ring of air radially towards the foliage that isbeing sprayed or dusted without imposing obstructions to its flow, lutilize the ring form deflector assembly that is well illustrated in theseveral drawings and more particularly inFlgs. 6 r.and '1.

Referring now especially to Fig. '1, Ishow 'an assembly oi' tllreedefies-tors designated by reference numerals 5I, 52, and 53. Preferably,the -three deiiectors 5I, 52 and 53 are assembled as a single ullitthrough the utilization of suitable reinforcing strut members 54 and 55,these strut members being welded or otherwise assembled to the deectors,as those skilled in the art will appreciate. The deilectors are soformed that the particular group illustrated in Fig. 7 will occupy ofthe circular ring of air generated in the tunnel, and therefore will actto deect radially outwardly one-fourth of the air that issues from thetunnel. By having the deiiectors so assembled in groups, it is seen thatthey mayas to form an extension of the inner surface of the member 26forming part of the tunnel T. Each of the four deflector assembliesillustrated in Fig. 7 has its deilector 53 formed with a series of holes59, and a series of bolts 59, best seen in Fig. 3, are then utilizedtosecure the deflector assemblies to the tunnel. For the particularpurpose, a structural member 60 that is suitably secured to the outercasing 25 and the tunnel T is formed with openings for the passage ofthe bolts 59, all as will be quite apparent from the drawings.

The central deector 52 located between the deflectors 5I and 53, is soformed as notto impede arranco unduly the flow of the air, whileassisting the other deilectors in directing the air outwardly andradially relatively to the tunnel. As a further feature of theinvention, the several struts 54, as

is best seen in Fig. 4, may be shaped so as to direct the ring of airand to impart some upward direction thereto. This is an additionalfunction of the struts 54 that may frequently be of value, and thestruts can be formed to direct the air in accordance with the particulartype of control that may be necessary for the spraying of various crops.

In Figs. 3, 4, and it will be noted that at the bottom of the machinethere is a sheet metal plate 6I having leaves 62 and 63. It is thefunction of these leaves to receive the air that is directed radiallydownwardly along the lines of arrows E4 in Fig. 1, and to redirect thatair upwardly and to each side of the machine. VFor the particularpurpose, the leaves 62, 63 may take the form shown in dotted lines inFig. 5 and thereby impart upward direction to the ring of air.

It frequently happens in the operation of the machine, and while themachine is moving through an orange grove or orchard, that a certainportion of the ring of air developed through the tunnel cannot beeffectively utilized. Under such conditions it is highly desirable thatthe operator be able to shut off part of the flow of air, as Well as thespraying or dusting material, and for the particular purpose I utilize aseries of curved plates 65, there being four of vthe said` platesoccupying the 360 of the ring of air. Each of the plates 65 has securedthereto a pair of rollers 66 at one end and a second pair of rollers 61at the opposite end, all as is best seen in Figs. 3 and 5. y

Four tracks 68 are secured to the outer casing 25 by brackets 68a orother suitable means as is well illustrated in Fig. 5, and the severalrollers 66 and 51 are adapted to move linearly on the said tracks andlongitudinally relatively to the tunnel. Each of the tracks 68 has aseries of flanges 69 relatively to which the rollers 66 and 61 may move,the said iianges 69 acting not only as bearings on which the rollers mayrotate, but also as retaining means for the said rollers adapted to holdthe several plates 65 in proper position.

Circular structural angular members 21a and 28a serve to hold togetherparts 21 and 28 of the tunnel T,l and to these members I have secured aseries of. four brackets 10. Each bracket 10 mounts for rotation aroller 'II over which is applied a continuous cable 12. Each cable 12 issecured at 13 to a bracket 14 that is welded to each plate 65. As isbest seen in Fig. 3, the several cables 12 pass to the front end of themachine through pipes 15 secured Within the tank I2. Each of the cablesthen passes over a pulley 1B having an operating handle 11 and mountedfor rotation on a shaft 18 relatively to a bracket 19 that is welded tothe tank l2. 1t is now readily seen that by rotation of a pulley 16 byhandle 11, a cable 12 will be moved so as to move with it the particularplate 65 to which it is secured at 13, 14. In order not to complicatethe drawings, I do not show in Fig. 1 the pulleys 16, and for the samereason I do not show in Fig. 3, the control mechanism C.

It will readily be appreciated that when one of the plates 65 is movedfrom an inward position occupied by the uppermost plate 65 in Fig. 3 tothe outer position occupied by the lowermost plate 65 in that sameiigure, a portion of the ring of air developed through the tunnel willnot be able to move axially and radially thereof under the influence ofthe deectors. but will first have to move circularly and then axiallyand radially under the influence of those deectors whoseI action is notblocked by a plate 65. In this way the air flow may be very readily andsimply controlled from the front end of the machine, as is mostdesirable.

I have previously alluded to the tubes I4 and nozzles I3 that makeavailable to the ring of air the spraying uid that is contained withinthe tank I2. Referring now more especially to Figs. 3 and 4, it will benoted that the tubes I4 are so bent that they conform to the shape ofthe deflectors 5I and 53, the right hand spray carrying tube I4 lyingwithin the groove 53a of the deflector 50, so that it will be out of thepath of the blast of air that moves along the surface 51. However, inaccordance with the teachings of my earlier patents, this blast of airwill accept the spraying material issuing from the several nozzles I3and will move the spraying material towards the foliage. The left handtube I4 of the several figures is positioned so as to lie but partiallywithin the air stream and mainly to one side thereof. Its nozzles willfeed spraying material into the blast of air, all as I have alreadyindicated and as will be apparent to those who have studied my earlierpatents.

It will now be readily appreciated that through my invention Icontribute a spraying machine, or a machine capable of moving dust, inwhich a ring of air is developed with the components of that ring of airdirected radially and outwardly with a minimum of loss. It will also beappreciated that the ring of air is fully controlled at all times andthat its direction may be varied as may be required, depending on thetype of foliage to be sprayed. I believe that those skilled in the artwill fully appreciate the merits of my invention and the ratherconsiderable contribution to the art.

I now claim:

1. In a machine of the class described, a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central imperforate hub portion and a series of blades, meansmounting said propeller for rotation in an axis longitudinal andsubstantially central of said tunnel for developing a ow of airlongitudinally through said tunnel, a cylindrical shell substantiallythe same in diameter as the hub portion of said air propeller secured insaid tunnel coaxially -With said propeller and forming with said tunnelan air ring for the passage of the air blast generated by the blades ofsaid propeller, and means for feeding an insecticide or the likepositioned relatively to said air ring whereby the ring-like blast ofair generated through said air ring will pick up the insecticide fed bysaid means and form it'into a fine fog.

2. In a machine of the class described, a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central imperforate hub portion and a series of blades, meansmounting said propeller for rotation in an axis longitudinal andsubstantially central of said tunnel for developing a flow of airlongitudinally through said tunnel, a cylindrical shell substantiallythe same in diameter as the hub portion of said air propeller secured insaid tunnel coaxially with said propeller and forming with said tunnelan air ring for the passage of the air blast generated by the blades ofsaid propeller, a ring deflector having a curved surface positioned atthe end of said air ring for directing the ring of air substangiuocotially radially of said air ring toward foliage or the like, and meansfor feeding an insecticide or the like positioned relatively to said airring whereby the ring-like blast of air generated through said air ringwill pick up .the insecticide fed by said means and form it into a inefog.

3. In a machine of the class described, a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central imperforate hub portion and a series of blades, meansmounting said propeller for rotation in an axis longitudinal andsubstantially central of said tunnel for developing a iiow of airlongitudinally through said tunnel, a shellfforming substantially acontinuation of the hub portion of said air propeller mounted coaxiallywith said propeller and forming with said tunnel an air ring for thepassage of the air blast generated by the blades of vsaid propeller, aircontrol vanes between said shell and tunnel for guiding vthe air blastso that its iiow is axial of said tunnel, a ring deflector formingsubstantially a continuation of the, exhaust end of said shell andcurved radially outwardly to deflect the ring of air radially andoutwardly of said air ring toward the foliage to be sprayed,- and meansfor feeding an insecticide or the like positioned relatively to said airring whereby th'e ringlike blast of air generated through said air ringwill pick up the insecticide fed by said means and form it into a nefog.

4. In a machine of the class described, a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central imperforate 8 generated through said air ring will pickup theA insecticide fed by said means and form it into a fine fog.

hub portion and a series of blades, means mounting said propeller forrotation in an axis longitudinal and substantially central of saidtunnel for developing a flow of air longitudinallyl through said tunnel,a cylindrical shell substantially the same in diameter as the hubportion of said air propeller secured in said tunnel coaxially with saidpropeller and forming with said tunnel an air ring for the passage ofthe air blast generated by the blades of said propeller, a ringdeflector forming substantially a continuation of the exhaust end ofsaid cylindrical `shell and curved radially outwardly to deflect thering of air radially and outwardly of said. air ring toward the foliageto be sprayed, a complementary curved ring deector secured at the end ofthe tunnel, and means for feeding an insecticide or the like positionedrelatively to said air ring whereby the ring-like blast of air generatedthrough said air ring will pick up the insecticide fed by said means andform it into a ne fog. i 5. In a machine of the class described, a-tunnel, an-air propeller having a central imperforate hub portion and aseries of blades, means mounting said propeller for rotation in an axislongitudinal and substantially central of said tunnel for developing ailow of air longitudinally through said tunnel, a cylindrical shellsubstantially the same in diameter as the hub portion of said airpropeller secured in said tunnel coaxially with said propeller andforming with said tunnel an air ring for the passage of the air blastgenerated by the blades of said propeller, a ring deiiector formingsubstantially acontinuation of the exhaust end of said cylindrical shelland curved radially outwardly to deect the ring of air radially andoutwardly/of said air ring toward the foliage to be sprayed, anauxiliary curved ring defiector positioned within the ring of airflowing from between said tunnel and cylindrical shell for assistingsaid first ring deflectcr in the deiiection of said air, and means -forfeeding an insecticide or the like positioned relatively to said airring whereby the ring-like blast of air 6. In a machine of the classdescribed, a tunnel, an air propeller having a central imperforate hubportion and a series oi' blades, means mounting said propeller forrotation in an axis longitudinal and substantially central of saidtunnel lfor developing a iiow of air longitudinally through said tunnel,a shell secured in said tunnel coaxially with said propeller, the outersurface of said shell forming substantially an extension of the hub ofsaid propeller and defining with said tunnel an air ring whereby the airblast generated by the blades of said propeller will be in the form of aring of air, and means'for feeding an insecticide or the like positionedrelatively to said air ring whereby the ring-like blast of air generatedthrough said air ring will pick up the insecticide fed by said means andform it into a fine fog.

'7. In a machine of the class described, 4a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central imperiorate hub portion and a series of blades, meansmounting said propeller for rotation in an axis longitudinal andsubstantially central of said tunnel yfor developing a ilow of airlongitudinally through said tunnel, a shell secured -in said tunnelcoaxially with said propeller, the outer surface of said shell formingsubstantially anextension of the hub of said propeller and defining,with said tunnel an air ring for the passage of the air blast generatedby the blades of said propeller, a dei-lector assembly positionedrelatively to the shell and curved for directing the ring of airgenerated by said propeller blades and flowing between said shell andtunnel, and means for feeding an insecticide or the. like positionedrelatively to said air ring whereby the ring-like blast of air generatedthrough said air ring will pick up the insecticide fed by said means andform it into a ne fog.

8. In a machine of the class described, a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central hub portion and a series of blades, means mounting saidpropeller for rotation in an axis longitudinal and substantially centralof said tunnel for developing a flow of air longitudinallyr through saidtunnel, a shell secured in said tunnel coaxially with said propeller andform-ing with said tunnel an' air ring 'for the passage of the air blastgenerated by the blades of said propeller, a deflector assemblypositioned at the end of said shell and curved for directing the ring ofair generated by said propeller blades and flowing between said shelland tunnel, means for feeding an insecticide or the like positionedrelatively to said air ring whereby the ringlike blast of air generatedthrough said air ring will pick up the insecticide fed by said means andform it into a line fog, plates adapted to shield parts of the deectorassembly, and means mounting said plates for sliding movement on sa-idtunnel to form extensions thereof between said deflector assembly andtunnel, said plates when forming extensions of said tunnel inhibitingthe flow of air outwardly from that portion of the deflector assemblyshielded thereby.

secured in said tunnel coaxially with said pro-- 9. In a machine of theclass described, a tunnel,

an air propeller -having a central hub portion and a'series ofblades,4means mount-ing said propeller for rotation in an axislongitudinal and substantially central of said tunnel for developing ailow of air longitudinally through said tunnel, a shell peller andforming with said tunnel an air ring for the passage of the air blastgenerated by the blades of said propeller, a deiiector assembly securedat the end of the shell and tunnel at the exhaust end of said tunnel,said defiector assembly having curved deflector surfaces for directingradially and outwardly the ring of air generated by said propellerblades and iiowing between said shell and tunnel, means for feeding aninsecticide or the like positioned relatively to said air ring wherebythe ring-like blast of air generated through said air ring will pick upthe insecticide fed by said means and form it into a ne fog, andshielding members positioned to shield parts of the deiiector assemblyso that the ow of air outwardly from the shielded parts of said ring ofair is inhibited.

10. In a machine of the class described, a wheeled chassis, a storagecompartment for an insecticide or the like on said chassis, a tunnel atthe end of said chassis, an air propeller having a series of blades,means mounting said propeller at said end of said chassis for rotationin an axis longitudinal and substantially central of said tunnel fordeveloping a flow of air longitudinally of said tunnel toward thestorage compartment, a space between said tunnel and said storagecompartment, a deiiector assembly in said space for directing the airiiow radially outwardly toward foliage or the like, and means forfeeding an insecticide or the like from said storage compartment foracceptance by said air flow.

i1. In a machine of the class described, a wheeled chassis, a. storagecompartment for an insecticide or the like on said chassis, a tunnel atthe end of said chassis, an air propeller having a central hub portionand a series of blades, means mounting said propeller for rotation in anaxis longitudinal and substantially central of said tunnel fordeveloping a flow of air longitudinally of said tunnel toward thestorage compartment, a shell secured in said tunnel coaxially with saidpropeller and forming with said tunnel an air ring for the passage ofthe air blast generated by the blades of said propeller, a space betweensaid tunnel and said storage compartment, a defiector assembly in saidspace for directing the flow of the said air ring radially outwardlytoward foliage or the like, and means for feeding an insecticide or thelike from said storage compartment for acceptance by said air ring.

12. In a machine of the class described, a wheeled chassis, a storagecompartment for an insecticide or the like positioned on said chassis, atunnel at the end of said chassis, an air propeller having a centralimperforate hub portion and a series of blades, means mounting saidpropeller at said end of said chassis for rotation in an axislongitudinal and substantially central of said tunnel for developing aflow of air longitudinally of said tunnel toward the storagecompartment, a shell secured in said tunnel coaxially with saidpropeller and forming with said tunnel an air ring for the passage ofthe air blast generated by the blades of said propeller, a space betweensaid tunnel and said storage compartment, a ring deiiector in said spaceforming substantially a continuation of the exhaust end of saidcylindrical shell and curved radially outwardly to deflect the ring ofair radially and outwardly of said air'ring toward the foliage to besprayed, and means for feeding an insecticide or the like from saidstorage compartment for acceptance by said air ring.

13. In a machine of the class described, an air propeller having acentral imperforate hub portion having substantially no air blastgenerating function and a series of blades extending from said hubportionadapted t0 generate a ring-like blast of air, a confining surfaceabout said propeller defining the outer periphery of said ringlike blastof air, a deiiector assembly including a defiector forming substantiallyan extension of the outer periphery of said central hub portion wherebyto maintain the ring-like form of the air blast generated by said seriesof blades and curved for directing radially of the propeller axis thering of air generated by saidpropeller blades, means for feeding aninsecticide or the like positioned relatively to said deflector systemwhereby the ring-like blast of air will pick up the insecticide fed bysaid means and form itinto a fine fog, and additional air blastdirecting means carried by said deflector assembly for contactwitha'relatively small portion of the ring of air flowing towards an angularsector of said deflector assembly for mparting direction to said portionof the air blast.

14. In a machine of the class described, a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central imperforate hub portion having no air blast generatingfunction and a series of blades adapted to generate a ring-like blast ofair, means mounting said air propeller for rotation on an axislongitudinal of said tunnel, defiector means forming substantially anextension of the outer periphery of said central hub portion whereby tomaintain the ring-like form of the air blast generated by said Aseriesof blades and positioned and shaped relatively to said tunnel fordeflecting the ring-like blast of air radially of said tunnel, and meansfor feeding insecticide to said ring-like blast of air to'be carriedthereby to foliage.

15. In a machine of the class described, an air propeller having acentral imperforate hub p0rtion having substantially no air blastgenerating function and a series of blades extending from said hubportion adapted to generate a ring-like blast of air, a confiningsurface about said propeller d'ening the outer periphery of saidringlike blast of air, a deilector for said ring-like blast of airforming substantially an extension of the outer periphery lof saidcentral hub portion whereby to vmaintain the ring-like form of the airblast generated by said series of blades by defining the inner peripheryof said air blast, said defiector curving radially outwardly relativelyto the axis of rotation of said propeller to deflect the ring-like airblast radially of the propeller axis, and means for feeding insecticideto said ringlike blast of air to be carried thereby to the foliage.

16. In a m'achine of the class described, a wheeled chassis, a storagecompartment on said chassis, an engine compartment on said chassis, anair propeller, means mounting said air propeller for rotation on saidchassis in an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said chassis,means whereby said engine drives said propeller, a generallycylindroidal outer peripheral surface for said machine extending for itslength and outlining said machine as a tube in effect of curved crosssection, said outer peripheral surface being interrupted by an op'enarea between the ends thereof extending generally circumferentially ofsaid surface and through which the air blast developed by said propellerflows radially, and means for feeding insecticide from said storagecompartment toward said open area for acceptance by said air blast.

' 11 17. In a machine of the class described, a tunnel, an air propellerhaving a central imperforate hub portion and a series of blades, meansmounti ing said propeller for rotation in an axis longitudinal andsubstantially central of said tunnel for developing a iiow of airlongitudinally through said tunnel, a shell secured in said tunnel co-laxially with said propeller, the outer surface of said shell formingsubstantially an extension of the vhub of said propeller and dening withsaid l tunnel an air ring for the passage of the air blast` generated bythe blades of said propeller, a deilector assembly positioned relativelyto the shell and curved for directing the ring of air generated by saidpropeller blades and flowing between said shell and tunnel, andshielding means for covering a part of the outer periphery of saiddeector system whereby that portion of the ring of air normally movingthrough said part of the deiiector system is deected for flow outwardly`through the open part of said deector system.

18. In a machine of the class described, a`

wheeled chassis, a storage compartment on said chassis, an enginecompartment on said chassis, an air propeller, means mounting said airpropeller for rotation on said chassis in an axis parallel to thelongitudinal axis of said chassis, means whereby saidengine drives saidpropeller, agenex'ally cylindroidal outer peripheral surface for saidmachine extending'for its length and outlining said machine as a tube ineect of curvedl cross section, said outer peripheral surface be- 12 inginterrupted by an open area between the ends thereof extending generallycircumferentially of said surface and through which the air blastdeveloped by said propeller flows radially, shielding -A means forcovering a part of said open area whereby to prevent the fiow of airthrough said covered portion, and means 'for feeding insecticide from'said storage compartment toward said open area for acceptance by saidair blast.

GEORGE W. DAUGHERTY.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 470,693 Mertz Mar. 15, 1892511,781 Leggett Jan. 2, 1894 668,028 Ulbrich Feb. 12, 1901 750,716 SmithJan. 26, 1904 908,962 Cramer Jan. 5, 1909 1,862,396 Gray et al June 7,1932 2,027,687 Fuller Jan. 14, i936 2,159,189 Wais May 23, 19392,258,731 Blumenthal Oct. 14, 1941 2,358,318 Daugherty Sept. 19, 19442,391,512 Ponomarofl' Dec. 23, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country DateGreat Britain J'uly 13, 1936

